Supplement composition and methods of use

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a dietary supplement composition made of: linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil in the range of 65%-85%, Omega 3 (18/12) fish oil 15%-35%, 1%-20% alpha-tocopherol, and 7.5%-15% acai berry powder and a method to use this composition to supplement the diet of a domestic animal, such as a canine or an equine.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/969,083 filed on Aug. 16, 2013 and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,716,331, whichis a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/012,255 filed on Jan.24, 2011 and now U.S. Pat. No. 8,536,220, which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

This application is related to U.S. provisional patent application Ser.No. 61/298,260 (hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety) filedJan. 26, 2010 through U.S. application Ser. No. 13/012,255. Thisapplication is related to U.S. application Ser. Nos. 13/969,057 and13/969,124, filed concurrently with application 13/969,083.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to an animal nutritional supplementand, more particularly to a method of using an equine nutritionalsupplement to alleviate chronic or acute conditions in domestic animalssuch as equines and canines.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Equines are known to suffer from a number of conditions related tovitamin and minerals deficiencies due to poor quality forage or hay,chronic colic, chronic diarrhea, or anorexia resulting from dentaldisease. In addition, there may also be disturbances in absorption asthe result of liver or biliary tract disease, hypothyroidism, anemia andother pathological conditions of the digestive system and relatedorgans. Numerous equine supplements are currently on the market. Some ofthese supplements include various Omega 3 products. The Omega 3 is froma variety of sources, strengths, and types of Omega 3 that supply EPA,DHA or ALA for supplementation of the equine diet. Some are from marineoils such as fish oil which contain different amounts of DHA and EPA,the long chain Omega 3s, depending on which fish and which part of theocean they came from. Some come from vegetable oils such as soybean oil,canola oil, or flax seed, all of which contain ALA Omega 3, the parentchain of Omega 3. However, the equine diet in the wild provides abalance of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. Domestic animals feeds maydisturb this balance and result in chronic or acute conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Thus, it is a purpose of the present invention to provide a nutritionalsupplement for alleviating various chronic or acute conditions indomestic animals associated with an imbalance of Omega 3, Omega 6 andOmega 9. It is also a purpose of the present invention to provide amethod of use for the nutritional supplement, of the present invention,to alleviate chronic or acute conditions in domestic animals.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, an equinenutritional supplement for improving omega balance in domestic animalsis made of: a balance of Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9 plus othernutrients, including from the acai berry, in expeller pressed soybeanoil. More specifically, this composition is made of: linolenic expellerpressed soybean oil in a volume range of 65%-85%, Omega 3 fish oil inthe range of 15%-35%, and 1%-20% alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E).This invention further provides a method for alleviating chronic oracute conditions in animals by the method of administering a nutritionalsupplement to the animal.

This invention more specially provides a method for alleviatinganhidrosis in an equine, especially when the equine has beennon-responsive to other treatment methods and compositions. This methodinvolves administering a nutritional supplement composition made of 3:1omega 6 to omega 3, 12,000 IU per serving of alpha-tocopherol, and 7.5%to 15% (total by weight) of acai berry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a nutritional supplement to balance thedistribution of Omega 3s, Omega 6s, and Omega 9 in the diet of adomestic animal. The present invention relates to a composition made of:linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil in the range of 65%-85%, Omega 3fish oil in the range of 15%-35%, and 1%-20% alpha-tocopherol (naturalvitamin E). In the preferred embodiment, the fish oil is 18/12. Morespecifically, the parent chain (ALA) of Omega 3s from natural expellerpressed soy oil and the long chain Omega 3s (DHA and EPA) from naturalOmega 3 fish oil and natural alpha-tocopherol (vitamin E) are provided.The alpha-tocopherol has a dual role in providing the needed additionalvitamin E and acting as a preservative for this composition. Thealpha-tocopherol is in a concentration from between 3,000 to 28,000 IUper serving.

Linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil is made by mechanical (expeller)extraction. During mechanical extraction, an expeller press crushes thesoybeans to extract the oil. This pressing is done under intensepressure, and raises the temperature of the oil to 185 to 200° F.(85-93.3° C.). Typically, the soybeans are heated up to 250° F. (120°C.) before being placed in the expeller. Alternatively, the linolenicexpeller pressed soybean oil can be cold pressed using filtration anddistilled water to filter the oil.

The linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil is admixed with the fish oiland alpha-tocopherol in the volume range of 65%-85%, Omega 3 (18/12)fish oil in the range of 15%-35%, and 1%-20% alpha-tocopherol (naturalvitamin E) to form the supplement composition of the present invention.

Bulk Fish Oil comes in two general varieties: 18% EPA, 12% DHA and 30%.Both refer to the general level of omega-3 in the oil. In 18/12 thelevels of EPA and DHA are set in the specifications to 18% EPA and 12%DHA. In what is generally considered a lower grade (30% fish oil) thelevels of EPA and DHA are not specified and therefore, depending onseasonal variations.

The animal nutritional supplement can be used for improving oralleviating various chronic or acute conditions in equine or caninesassociated with an imbalance of Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9. The use ofthe supplement composition has been show to provide: a healthy digestivesystem, reduces inflammation in the joints, blocks lactic acid buildupin muscles, increases blood flow to all organs and joints promotesbeautiful hair coats and healthy hooves, builds a strong immune systemand promotes a healthy reproductive system. The serving size of thepresent composition for an average horse is 4 ounces daily (1 oz. per300 lbs.). It is dispensed directly onto feed. If the horse is fed twicedaily the dosage can be applied either in one feeding or divided in twoand given at both feedings. Serving size can be increased for horseswith specific needs or problems. For example, it is recommended todouble the dosage a few days prior to competition for show horses toenhance coat bloom, respiration, and recovery from the extra work andstress of the show. The composition can be formulated as an equine topdress liquid mixture by packaging the liquid product in a galloncontainer. In one embodiment, the composition is made from ingredientsthat have been produced using methods of organic farming or may becertified as being organic.

In an alternative embodiment, the composition can be provided as anadditive to an equine feed. In another embodiment, the supplementcomposition can be prepared as a solid supplement. In this embodiment,the supplement composition can be blended with inactive ingredients suchas: natural soy lecithin, apple pectin, calcium carbonate, dicalciumphosphate, citric acid, flavoring, anise oil, primary yeast dehydrated,silicon dioxide, yeast extract, yeast fermentation solubles, vegetablestearate, and lignin sulfate. The inactive ingredients can be added tothe extent they do not change the fundamental properties of thesupplement composition. The solid supplement composition can beformulated into pellets according to techniques know to those skilled inthe art.

In an alternative embodiment, a nutritional supplement composition ismade of linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil to Omega 3 fish oil in aratio of 3:1 and alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E). Sufficientalpha-tocopherol is added to the mixture to provide 12,000 IU perserving of alpha-tocopherol. This nutritional supplement composition canbe used to treat anhidrosis in equines. Equine anhidrosis is theinability in a horse to sweat due to intolerance to heat and humidity.It is estimated that 20%-30% of horses in southern regions suffer sweatdisorders (anhidrosis). Horses raised in cool climates and latertransferred to very warm southern or tropical areas are prone to thisillness.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a nutritional supplementcomposition is made of linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil, Omega 3fish oil, and alpha-tocopherol (natural vitamin E) as described in thevarious embodiments above, with the addition of 7.5% to 15% by weight ofacai berry. The acai berry may be from any source, but preferably theacai berry is a freeze-dried powder from an organic source. In thepreferred formulation, the composition is made with linolenic expellerpressed soybean oil in the volume range of 65%-85%, Omega 3 fish oil15%-35%, 1%-20% alpha-tocopherol. The preferred formulation alsocontains two (2) cups of freeze-dried organic acai berry powder pergallon of the soybean oil, Omega 3 fish oil, and alpha-tocopherolmixture. Other formulations using the teachings above may also be usedwith the acai berry composition.

The acai berry composition should be mixed well before being applied asa top dressing. No emulsifier is necessary, but any acceptableemulsifier known in the nutritional supplement field may be used. Theacai berry composition serving size for an average horse is 4 ouncesdaily (1 oz. per 300 lbs.). It may be dispensed directly onto feed as atop dressing composition. If the horse is fed twice daily the dosage canbe applied either in one feeding or divided in two and given at bothfeedings. Serving size can be increased for horses with specific needsor problems, or as a loading regimen by giving the horse three times thedialing serving size for the first 1-3 days.

EXAMPLE 1

Equine A, a 2 yr. old western pleasure horse, received four oz. of thecomposition on a daily basis for eight weeks. After receiving thesupplement, it was observed that equine A was quieter and more focusedon his training than ever before. The weight gain and bloom within thefirst month were incredible. Equine B a young horse with early onset ofarthritis received the composition for its anti-inflammatory benefits.It was reported by the attending veterinarian that the product addedweight and bloom on horses quickly and did not affect their energylevels, in contrast to prior supplements.

EXAMPLE 2

In August, 2010, Equine C could barely stand due to pain. The horse wasdiagnosed with navicular syndrome, i.e., heel soreness or lameness. Withthis condition, some horses may be sound with large structural navicularchanges whereas others may be extremely lame with minimal radiographicchanges. The most commonly seen changes are enlarged blood vesselchannels, “lollipop lesions”, spurring, tiny fractures off the navicularedge, cystic or lytic areas within the bone, and erosion of the contactarea between the navicular bone and deep digital flexor tendon. Equine Cwas treated with four oz. of the composition on a daily basis for 12weeks crossed with the Acuscope/Myoscope treatments. Equine C has beenpain free for over one year without injections or other interventions.

EXAMPLE 3

Four oz. of the alternate composition of this invention was given on adaily basis to Equine group D for anhidrosis for 60 days. An immediateimprovement in the ability to sweat was observed. Additionally, theoverall condition of Equine group D improved within a few short weeks.The improvements in condition included reduced swelling, the ability tohold their weight better and their hooves and hair coats seemed to haveimproved as well.

EXAMPLE 4

Canine A was misdiagnosed with allergies in early June of 2010, and thetreatment of antibiotics and steroids sent her into a severe downwardspiral. Her condition was diagnoses as Demodex mange, which all puppiescarry from their mothers at birth. A healthy immune system keeps puppiesfrom having trouble with these mites. Her immune system was basicallyshut down from the treatment. Her condition worsened. Her skin was red,and hair was falling out. Canine A was treated with IMMUNOPLEX®, dermasupport herbal remedies and the present composition at 0.5 ounce perday. Within a week, whiskers of hair appeared and her hair and skin wererestored to normal. Canine A has received the treatment continuouslysince to maintain healthy skin and coat.

EXAMPLE 5

Equine E was a bottle fed horse experiencing significant trouble withgaining and maintaining weight. Equine E's regular feed was supplementedwith about 1 oz. of the composition on a daily basis for one week, thenincreased dosage to 4 oz. of the composition per day. Within three daysEquine E's coat showed signs of improvement in coat bloom. After theinitial week, Equine E began to increase weight gain, which he was ableto maintain unlike before using the composition despite decreasing hisrations. Equine E's muscle tone has also shown dramatic improvement,which demonstrates that the composition is not leading to “bad” weightgain in the horse.

EXAMPLE 6

Equine F, a three year old gelding, was experiencing locking up in hisstifle joints. Stifle blistering was performed without success. Beforeresorting to surgery, Equine F was put on a regimen of 3 oz. of thecomposition three times per day for 15 days. After 15 days of thesupplement composition, Equine F is no longer experiencing locking up.Equine F also was suffering from colic, and while on the same regimenshowed faster recovery from the digestive blockage (colic). Equine Fcontinues to be colic free and no longer has issues with stifle jointlock up.

EXAMPLE 7

Equine G, a mare, was suffering from a hock injury that causedconsiderable lameness, which kept her from being shown. The mare hasbeen treated with four oz. of the composition daily for over threemonths. The swelling in Equine G's hind leg has completely decreasedafter being put on the daily regimen of the composition, and her stepand reach continues to improve such that her owner is consideringshowing the horse in the near future.

EXAMPLE 8

Equine H is a western pleasure horse that had been experiencinganhidrosis. Equine H was treated with four oz. of the anhidrosis formulaof the composition daily for one month, then given the supplementcomposition at the same dosage regimen for five months. Equine H'sanhidrosis quickly was alleviated, and also showed great improvement incoat bloom and weight gain. The rations for Equine H were decreased dueto the maintenance of the weight gain. Equine H also experienceddramatic improvements in hoof health, no longer showing chips andgrowing faster.

EXAMPLE 9

Equine group I is a group of horses that were suffering from jointswelling/pain. Each was given four oz. of the composition added to theirfeed daily for at least two months. All were reported to haveexperienced and maintained decreased swelling and pain in their joints,in addition to decreased muscle soreness after working.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited numberof embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of thisdisclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments can be devised whichdo not depart from the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be limited only by theattached claims.

EXAMPLE 10

Equine group J is a group of Thoroughbred horses that were sufferingfrom anhidrosis. They did not respond to the formulations disclosed thatdid not contain acai berry. However, after receiving the acai berryformulation containing 2 cups of freeze dried organic acai berry powderfor as few as one day began to sweat normally.

Although the present invention has been described and illustrated withrespect to a preferred embodiment and a preferred use thereof, it is notto be so limited since modifications and changes can be made thereinwhich are within the full intended scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A method for alleviating anhidrosis in a domestic animal, the method comprising administering a nutritional supplement to said domestic animal, the nutritional supplement consisting of linolenic expeller pressed soybean oil in the volume range of 65%-85%, Omega 3 fish oil 15%-35%, 1%-20% alpha tocopherol (natural vitamin E), and 7.5%-15% by weight of acai berry powder as the only active ingredients in the nutritional supplement.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the domestic animal is an equine.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein 1 oz. of said nutritional supplement is administered per 300 lbs of said equine per day.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the concentration of alpha-tocopherol ranges from 3,000-28,000 IU per day.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the acai berry powder is from an organic source. 